What it is

A 327 room hideaway set on a protected tidal lagoon.

What it isn't

Granola. Rooms are glamorous enough to pamper Jane Fonda herself.

What we think

Although LA and San Fran get all the hype, San Diego is arguably the most satisfying Californian city: easy, breezy, and beautiful (with significantly less hair-raising traffic). This particular resort, which straddles an ecological preserve due north of the city, is everything you could want from a SoCal vacay, with a 3,200-square-foot family pool, a gratis shuttle to the beach complete with loaner umbrellas and sand toys, plus an Arnold Palmer-designed on-site golf course that was ranked among the best in the country by Golf Digest. What we love most of all is that each room is ultra spacious (at a minimum of 540 square feet), like San Diego itself. Think: dual sinks and outsized marble soaking tubs, plus exceedingly thoughtful touches, like blackout curtains, 24-hour room service and Le Labo toiletries.

You're here because

You prefer to be slightly away from the action, where you can actually sleep. Plus, their activities list can’t be beat—where else can you go surfing before lunching on the beach with Chef Pierre Albaladejo?

The Moment

You’re a sucker for wood burning ovens, which is why Vivace, Italian for “Alive,” is immediately your dream hotel restaurant. One bite of your fire roasted venison loin with beet puree and you’re ready to call the chef nonni.

Restaurants & Bars

Vivace - Innovative Italian cuisine in elegant yet contemporary surroundings with an extensive wine list featuring select regions in Italy

Argyle Steakhouse - Serving the finest cuts of California organic meats while overlooking the 18th hole of Aviara Golf Club

California Bistro - Modern bistro with seasonal cuisine inspired by Southern California and sourced from local farms

Ocean Pool Bar & Grill – Lounge poolside and enjoy creative twists on American specialties including our signature Mahi Mahi tacos

Lobby Lounge - Picturesque sunset and ocean vistas...the perfect atmosphere for evening cocktails, a light bite and live entertainment

Ocean Pool Bar & Grill - Enjoy relaxing poolside lunching and cocktails with fresh and creative twists on American specialties

Lobby Lounge - Provides picturesque sunset and ocean vistas. The perfect atmosphere for engaging conversations, evening cocktails or a light bite with live nightly entertainment

Location

About a forty minute drive north along the coast from San Diego International Airport, but just a fifteen minute drive from Legoland and the 50-acre Flower Fields, where you can explore a maze made of sweet peas and inhale beauty in a greenhouse stocked wall to wall with cymbidium orchids.